Government Relations

PESA helps to build constructive relationships and high-impact partnerships between governments, NGOs and private companies. Using our contacts, knowledge of state functions and regional integration we can connect you or your organisation with the relevant elected officials, governance institutions and public servants at all levels of government.

Unlike the typical “arm-length” public relations, our government relations assistance is aimed at direct interaction with the relevant legislators or government officials. This allows for more direct impact, concerted policy influence and a deeper appreciation of African governance; which expedites government interventions.

Trade and cross-border investment is rarely simple. Often differences in legislation which jeopardise business or socioeconomic development can only be resolved through government intervention. Using our expertise in public administration and regional governance, we provide advice on the best strategies to deal with international economic disputes and how to engage the relevant authorities. Here are some examples of how we can assist you or your organisation:

Access: We help you identify the relevant stakeholders and assist you with meeting them or establishing a partnership.

International Relations: We advise on how to deal with international relations challenges such as legislation or policy changes that threaten your interests.

Strategic Public Affairs: We help you formulate and implement strategic engagement with the relevant authorities in order to amplify your impact.

The African regional governance landscape is complex. Let us help you understand it and connect you with the right stakeholders so you can contribute to African development.

To read more about the key regional economic communities in Southern Africa click on the thumbnails below.

Institutional Arrangement: Regional Economic Community

Headquarter Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Established: 26 May 2001

Legal Instrument:Constitutive Act of the African Union1

Note: 1 Replaced the OAU Charter, est. 25 May 1963

The African Union (AU) is a continental union of all African countries with the readmission of Morrocco in 2017. The AU is aimed at accelerating the process of integration in the continent to enable Africa to play its rightful role in the global economy while addr… read more from the AU Secretariat (external).

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a free trade area with 20 member states stretching from Libya to Swaziland that replaced the Preferential Trade Area preceding it. COMESA has had to postpone its goal of establishing the COMESA Customs U… read more from the COMESA Secretariat (external).

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) consists of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. SACU is aimed at creating an economic community with equitable and sustainable development, dedicated to the welfare of its people. SACU member states are… read more from the SACU Secretariat (external).

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About PESA

Political Economy Southern Africa (PESA) is a political economy think tank focused on regional integration in SADC and Africa more broadly. We monitor macroeconomic, industrial and policy developments across the SADC region.Vision

To make the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional integration process and regional political economy universally accessible for different audiences.